A police officer in Sialkot who was caught on video manhandling a child during a raid on a residence in the Dhera Sindha area was suspended from active duty on Thursday.

The video, which went viral on social media, shows a police officer identified as Sadar Police Station's Sub-Inspector Tahir grabbing a girl sitting on a motorcycle ─ believed to be between 4-7 years old ─ by her arm and tossing her harshly onto the ground at her family's home on Wednesday.

The girl's father, who is currently embroiled in an ongoing dispute with relatives, told DawnNewsTV that despite securing interim bail in the case, police officers had raided his home and misbehaved with his family, including the person shooting the video, who was allegedly subjected to physical violence and abusive language.

District Police Officer (DPO) Sialkot Asad Sarfaraz took notice of the incident and also condemned it.

"The police officer in question has been suspended," he said, adding: "Disrespect shown by any person in uniform towards the public will not be tolerated."

He said an inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the matter.

Responding to a remark about the Punjab Police uniform being changed but the attitudes of officers still remaining the same, the DPO said reformation of the police force was an ongoing process and naturally one that won't happen overnight.

"The higher-ups are working on training officers to have a service-oriented approach and instilling values where they feel they have the role of protectors in society," he said while talking to DawnNewsTV.

He regretted that such events still do occur but assured that there has been a marked decline in their frequency.

Opinion

Editorial

Bilateral progress
Updated 18 Oct, 2024

Bilateral progress

Dialogue with India should be uninterruptible and should cover all sticking points standing in the way of better ties.
Bracing for impact
18 Oct, 2024

Bracing for impact

CLIMATE change is here to stay. As Pakistan confronts serious structural imbalances, recurring natural calamities ...
Unfair burden
18 Oct, 2024

Unfair burden

THINGS are improving, or so we have been told. Where this statement applies to macroeconomic indicators, it can be...
Successful summit
Updated 17 Oct, 2024

Successful summit

Platforms like SCO present an opportunity for states to set aside narrow differences.
Failed tax target
17 Oct, 2024

Failed tax target

THE government’s plan to document retailers for tax purposes through its ‘voluntary’ Tajir Dost Scheme appears...
More questions
17 Oct, 2024

More questions

THE alleged rape of a student at a private college in Lahore has sparked confusion, social media campaigns, ...